Painted EPDM for Body Components

This paper describes the development of a factory acceptable paintable base EPDM compound and paint technology package meeting automotive company requirements for sight shields, end caps, stone deflectors, etc.

The development of high stiffness EPDM compounds through the incorporation of glass fiber is also underway. With the addition of 15 wt. % glass fiber it is possible to increase the flexural modulus of the EPDM materials more than three-fold. Progress has also been made in the development of color pigmented EPDM systems. The success to date has been achieved largely as a result of extensive ingredient screening studies.